Ewood Travellers’ park is ‘nightmare’ - Lancashire Telegraph

From the Lancashire

RESIDENTS near a park in Ewood have spoken of their nightmare after a group of travellers moved into the area.

Five caravans have been at the site, just off Warwick Road, for two weeks now, but despite requests from Blackburn with Darwen Council, have not yet moved on.

Residents, who can see the camp from their windows, have also complained about seeing Travellers urinating and defecating in the street and throwing rubbish on to the ground.

Maureen Bateson, councillor for the Ewood ward, said the situation was ‘unacceptable’ and that everything was being done to get the caravans to move on as quickly as possible.

She said: “The site was visited by enforcement officers and the Travellers were given notice to quit by midnight on Tuesday.

“They chose not to move and so the council is proceeding through the courts to go forward with an eviction notice.

“Unfortunately we are getting used to doing this, but hopefully they will be moved on as quickly as possible.”

Coun Bateson said around four or five Travellers’ camps had been set up in the ward over the past few months, and although they have been moved on each time, it was only a small distance.

It is expected that it will be at least another two weeks before the eviction notice can be issued.

Councillor Dave Harling, executive member for regeneration at Blackburn with Darwen Council, said: “We understand the concerns that this situation is causing to local residents.

“The council, with police and other partners, is using all its powers to remove the Travellers from the site and papers are being prepared to get a court date as soon as possible.”